Opposition plans Half-Way Tree protest over JUTC fare increase

Passengers line up to board a JUTC bus at the North Parade bus park, downtown Kingston, yesterday. - Gladstone Taylor/Photographer

The Opposition Leader Andrew Holness says the Jamaica Labour Party ( JLP) is prepared to stage a public demonstration as it demands an immediate roll back of the impending fare increase on Jamaica Urban Transit Company ( JUTC) buses.

Transport Minister Dr. Omar Daives today announced that adult fares will move up from $100 to $120.

Students will have to $30 up from $20, while the elderly passengers will be charged $60.

The new JUTC bus fares take effect this Sunday.

The Transport Minister said the adjustment is in response to increased operational expenses at the JUTC.

But the Opposition Leader says the Government’s decision to increase the fares is a grave injustice to working class Jamaicans and the poor.

"We not supporting it. It is a travesty...," said Holness.

"If I am the only one standing up in Half-Way Tree against it, I will be standing up in Half-Way Tree against it," he added.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Dr Horace Chang said an audit of the management of the JUTC should have been done before the imposition of an increase.